Picture a cozy mystery maestro weaving tales of scones and secrets in the heart of Iowa—meet Mary Lee Ashford! As the 'Sparkle' half of the Sparkle Abbey duo and the mastermind behind the Sugar and Spice series, Ashford crafts delightful stories that blend baking, sleuthing, and small-town charm. With a passion for nurturing creativity, she’s not just a writer but a mentor, teacher, and cat-loving Midwesterner who’s left a sweet mark on the cozy mystery genre.
The Making of Mary Lee Ashford
Born and raised in the Midwest, Mary Lee Ashford’s love for books bloomed early, making her a lifelong bibliophile and staunch supporter of public libraries. Her journey to authorship wasn’t a straight path—she spent years as an Information Technology manager before diving into writing. A pivotal moment came when she won first place in the Daphne du Maurier contest, sparking her confidence to pursue mystery writing. Ashford’s Midwest roots and knack for spotting quirky human details shaped her cozy, community-driven narratives.
Joining forces with her writing partner as Sparkle Abbey, she co-authored the bestselling Pampered Pets series, but it was her solo venture, the Sugar and Spice mysteries, that truly defined her voice. Her leadership as the founding president of Sisters in Crime – Iowa also cemented her role as a champion for aspiring writers.
Mary Lee Ashford’s Unforgettable Stories
Ashford’s Sugar and Spice series, starting with Game of Scones (2018), introduces readers to Rosetta 'Sugar' Calloway and Dixie Spicer, a dynamic duo running a cookbook publishing business in St. Ignatius, Iowa. In this debut, a recipe war escalates to murder, with Sugar and Dixie baking their way through clues. The book’s charm lies in its witty dialogue, quirky characters, and mouthwatering recipes, like scones that readers can whip up themselves.
The series continues with Risky Biscuits (2019), where stolen packages and a hometown hottie stir up trouble, and Quiche of Death (2020), a tale of a fatal family gathering involving a quiche empire and a bow-and-arrow murder. Ashford’s style is light yet gripping, blending humor, culinary cozy vibes, and just enough suspense to keep readers guessing. Her stories celebrate small-town life, friendship, and the joy of a good meal, making them perfect for fans of heartwarming mysteries.
As half of Sparkle Abbey, Ashford also penned the Pampered Pets series, focusing on pet-related capers. Her dual writing paths showcase her versatility, but the Sugar and Spice series remains her signature, earning praise for its fresh take on the cozy mystery genre.
Why Mary Lee Ashford Matters
Mary Lee Ashford’s impact extends beyond her books. Through her university teaching, where she leads a Creative Management course for MPA candidates, and her writing workshops, she inspires countless aspiring authors. Her leadership in Sisters in Crime and affiliations with groups like Mystery Writers of America highlight her commitment to building a supportive writing community. Her stories, filled with humor and heart, offer readers an escape into a world where mysteries are solved over a warm batch of biscuits.
In a genre often dominated by darker themes, Ashford’s cozy mysteries stand out for their warmth and relatability, reflecting her Midwest values and love for family—both human and feline, thanks to her rescue cat, Sparkle. Her work reminds us that even in a small town, big stories can unfold.
- Pen Name: Half of Sparkle Abbey for Pampered Pets series
- Key Works: Game of Scones, Risky Biscuits, Quiche of Death
- Awards: Winner of the Daphne du Maurier contest
- Fun Fact: Lives with her husband, Tim, and rescue cat, Sparkle, in Central Iowa
Ready to savor a mystery as sweet as a fresh-baked scone? Grab Game of Scones and dive into Mary Lee Ashford’s cozy, culinary world!